Comau to reopen Royal Oak plant

ROYAL OAK -- Shuttered for years, Comau Inc. plans to reopen its power train plant at 2800 W. 14 Mile Road to meet new demand.

The return to Royal Oak and a recent Comau expansion in Warren are further signs the auto industry is regaining strength.

Comau produces automated industrial systems such as assembly lines and tools for assembly lines at 24 locations in 13 countries.

Company spokesman Thomas Walker said the global supplier "wound down" the Royal Oak location in 2008 and consolidated those operations at its Southfield base.

The Royal Oak building, which has office and factory space, was put up for sale or lease, but there were no takers.

Now, Comau is back with plans to renovate and assign workers to the site. Some office and shipping employees already have moved in and at least another 100 workers will join them by the end of February.

"There is enough business to warrant opening it again," Walker said. "We'll be making more power trains for a variety of customers around the world."

Comau reportedly is investing $2 million into the Royal Oak building. Last month, the city granted a variance for a new Comau sign.

The product line for the power-train component of the business includes machine tools, assembly centers, and test stands for engines, transmissions and crankshafts.

In Warren, Comau leased 300,000 square feet of manufacturing space at the former Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant, which is now called the Arsenal Industrial District. "Comau East" opened a few weeks ago for body welding and "adaptive solutions" operations. About 200 jobs will be added there.

"In general, business is good and we're always looking for qualified people," Walker said.

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